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New Zealand Peoples

New Zealand was not known to Europeans until 1642. Over 150 years later, settlers started to arrive from England, Scotland and Ireland. The journey was long, arduous and uncomfortable, but they came in the hope of a better life. From the 20th century onwards, war, persecution and other troubles have led groups and individuals to migrate to New Zealand. Others have come by choice, seeking a change of lifestyle. Today’s New Zealanders celebrate a wide and varied heritage – from the Pacific, Europe, Asia, Africa and America.